Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia in heart failure and a risk factor for stroke. Risk assessment tools can assist clinicians with decision making in the allocation of thromboprophylaxis. This review provides an overview of current validated risk assessment tools for atrial fibrillation and emphasizes the importance of tailoring individual risk and the importance of weighing the benefits of treatment. Further, this review provides details of innovative and patient-centered methods for ensuring optimal adherence to prescribed therapy. Prior to initiating oral anticoagulant therapy, a comprehensive risk assessment should include evaluation of associated cardiogeriatric conditions, potential for adherence to prescribed therapy, frailty, and functional and cognitive ability.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3-11 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Vascular Health and Risk Management |
| Volume | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Open Access - Access Right Statement
© 2013 Ferguson et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd. This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, provided the original work is properly cited.Keywords
- anticoagulants (medicine)
- atrial fibrillation
- heart failure
- medication adherence
- risk assessment
- stroke
